Cradle for proppant container having tapered box guides

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus to support a proppant container including a frame to receive and support the proppant container, the frame having a top surface that receives and positions the proppant container above a conveyor to carry proppant disposed thereon away from the proppant container. The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface including a corner assembly having two wall segments, and a guide member extending upwardly and positioned adjacent the corner assembly, the guide member including tapered portion of the guide member, the taper having a first width at a top portion of the guide member smaller than a second width at a bottom portion of the guide member. The tapered portion contacts and directs the proppant container to a desired location.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a continuation which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/986,826,filed Jan. 4, 2016, titled “Cradle for Proppant Container Having TaperedBox Guides,” which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 14/848,447, filed Sep. 9, 2015, titled “Cradle for ProppantContainer Having Tapered Box Guides,” which is related to and claimspriority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/050,493, filed Sep. 15, 2014, titled “Cradle for Proppant ContainerHaving Tapered Box Guides.” U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.14/848,447 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/676,039, filed Apr. 1, 2015, titled “Methods andSystems to Transfer Proppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk ofProduction and Release of Silica Dust at a Well Site,” now U.S. Pat. No.9,340,353, issued May 17, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/012,160, filed Jun. 13, 2014, titled“Process and Apparatus for Reducing Silica Exposure During the Deliveryof Proppants to a Mine,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/014,479,filed on Jun. 19, 2014, titled “System and Methods for Reducing SilicaExposure at a Well Site,” and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/114,614, filed Feb. 11, 2015, titled “Methods and Systems to TransferProppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk of Production and Release ofSilica Dust at a Well Site,” each of which are incorporated herein intheir entireties by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to positioning and aligning proppantcontainers at a well site. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to systems and methods to position and align proppant containersonto stands and/or conveyors at the well site.

Description of Related Art

Hydraulic fracturing or “Tracking” has been used for decades tostimulate production from conventional oil and gas wells. In recentyears, the use of fracking has increased due to the development of newdrilling technology such as horizontal drilling and multi-stagefracking. Such techniques reach previously-unavailable deposits ofnatural gas and oil. Fracking generally includes pumping fluid into awellbore at high pressure. Inside the wellbore, the fluid is forced intothe formation being produced. When the fluid enters the formation, itfractures, or creates fissures, in the formation. Water, as well asother fluids, and some solid proppants, are then pumped into thefissures to stimulate the release of oil and gas from the formation.

By far the dominant proppant is silica sand, made up of ancientweathered quartz, the most common mineral in the Earth's continentalcrust. Unlike common sand, which often feels gritty when rubbed betweenyour fingers, sand used as a proppant tends to roll to the touch as aresult of its round, spherical shape and tightly-graded particledistribution. Sand quality is a function of both deposit and processing.Grain size is critical, as any given proppant should reliably fallwithin certain mesh ranges, subject to downhole conditions andcompletion design. Generally, coarser proppant allows a higher capacitydue to the larger pore spaces between grains. This type of proppant,however, may break down or crush more readily under stress due to therelatively fewer grain-to-grain contact points to bear the stress oftenincurred in deep oil- and gas-bearing formations.

During fracking operations, workers may transport containers holding theproppant between rail cars, trucks, staging areas, or the like andstands or container holders. For example, work vehicles (e.g., cranes,fork lifts, etc.) may be used to transport the containers betweendifferent locations at the work site. Often, renting and/or purchasingthe equipment for transporting and moving the containers is expensive,therefore, efficiency with transportation and movement is desirable todecrease costs for owners and operators. Typically, the stands orcontainer holders include protruding features (e.g., fasteners,protrusions, etc.) that align with corresponding recessed features ofthe containers to secure and align the containers on the stands orholders. However, aligning the respective features may be time consumingand difficult for workers using large equipment, where visibility of thefeatures on the stands or containers may be decreased. It is nowrecognized that improvements for positioning containers onto the standsor holders is desirable.

SUMMARY

Applicants recognized the problems noted above herein and conceived anddeveloped embodiments of systems and methods, according to the presentinvention, to position proppant containers onto racks, holders,conveyors, or the like.

In an embodiment an apparatus to support a proppant container includes aframe o receive and support the proppant container, the frame having atop surface that receives and positions the proppant container above aconveyor to carry proppant disposed thereon away from the proppantcontainer. The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positionedon the top surface. The box guide assembly includes a corner assemblyhaving two wall segments positioned substantially perpendicular to oneanother and to the top surface, the corner assembly positioned on aperipheral edge of the frame to at least partially define a desiredlocation for positioning the proppant container. The box guide assemblyalso includes a guide member extending upwardly and positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the top surface, the guide memberpositioned adjacent the corner assembly. The box guide assembly alsoincludes a tapered portion of the guide member extending distally fromthe top surface, such that a first width of the tapered portion at a topportion of the guide member is less than a second width of the taperedportion at a bottom portion of the guide member, the tapered portioncontacting and directing the proppant container to the desired locationwhen the proppant container is being positioned thereon.

In another embodiment a system to store and support proppant containersincludes a plurality of proppant containers. Each of the proppantcontainers of the plurality of proppant containers includes wallsforming a periphery of the proppant container, an upper side, and abottom side forming a compartment to store the proppant therein. Thebottom side having an outlet formed therein to facilitate removal of theproppant from the proppant container. The system also includes a cradlefor receiving and supporting the plurality of proppant containers, thecradle having a plurality of cradle sections defining a desired locationon the cradle associated with respective proppant containers of theplurality of proppant containers. Each proppant container is positionedon a top surface of the cradle. Moreover, the system includes aplurality of box guide assemblies positioned on the top surface of thecradle at respective edges of the plurality of cradle sections to atleast partially define the desired location of each cradle section. Thebox guide assemblies each have a tapered portioned to direct eachproppant container of the plurality of proppant containers into therespective cradle section.

In a further embodiment, a method for moving and supporting proppantcontainers includes lifting a proppant container to a position above atop surface of a support structure, the position being vertically higherrelative to a ground plane than a top portion of a box guide assembly.The method also includes aligning the proppant container over a sectionof the support structure which receives and supports the proppantcontainer, the section defining a desired location for the proppantlocation. The method further includes lowering the proppant containertoward the support structure such that a bottom surface of the proppantcontainer is at a position vertically lower than the top portion of thebox guide assembly. The method also includes positioning the proppantcontainer within an area of the section at least partially defined bythe box guide assembly via at least one tapered surface of the box guideassembly, the at least one tapered surface positioned on a top surfaceof the support structure to guide the proppant container toward thedesired location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill be further appreciated when considered with reference to thefollowing description of embodiments and accompanying drawings. Indescribing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the appendeddrawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity.However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specificterms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose.

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an embodiment of a wellsite for fracking using an embodiment of the system and method,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 2 positionedon forks of a forklift, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a conveyor systemhaving containers positioned thereof, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a forklift preparing toposition a container having proppant for fracking onto a conveyor,according the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container positionedon a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment ofguide member of a box guide assembly, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of aguide member of a box guide assembly, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of aguide member of a box guide assembly, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of boxguide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of boxguide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide assembliespositioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide assembliespositioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for positioning acontainer onto a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for positioning acontainer onto a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a containerpositioned over a desired location of a cradle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container incontact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container incontact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container on atop surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container misalignedwith a desired location of a cradle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container aligned overa top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container in contactwith a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container on a topsurface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a containerpositioned over a desired location of a cradle via a forklift, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container incontact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle via aforklift, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container incontact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle via aforklift, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container on atop surface of a cradle via a forklift, according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill be further appreciated when considered with reference to thefollowing description of embodiments and accompanying drawings. Indescribing the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the appendeddrawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity.However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specificterms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentinvention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Anyexamples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are notexclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.Additionally, it should be understood that references to “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments,” or “otherembodiments” of the present invention are not intended to be interpretedas excluding the existence of additional embodiments that alsoincorporate the recited features. Furthermore, reference to terms suchas “above,” “below,” “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “front,” “back,” or otherterms regarding orientation are made with reference to the illustratedembodiments and are not intended to be limiting or exclude otherorientations.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include box guide assemblies foradjusting the alignment of a container being positioned onto a surface.For example, the box guide assemblies may be positioned on a top surfaceof a cradle. The box guide assemblies include guide members having atapered portion that contacts the container when the container is notaligned with the surface. For example, as the container is loweredtoward the top surface, the container may contact the tapered portion ofthe guide members. The tapered portions may include incline edges thatreceive the container and direct the container toward a desired locationon the top surface. As a result, even when the container is misaligned,the container may be directed toward the top surface by the box guideassemblies without manual realignment of the containers.

Turning to FIG. 1, is an environmental perspective view of a well site10 for fracking using certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the well site 10 includes a removable floor12 (e.g., made of wood, metal, polymers, or the like) to facilitate theuse of heavy machinery, including one or more forklifts 14, for loadingand unloading railroad cars 16 or trucks 18 carrying one or morecontainers 20 (e.g. proppant containers), containing proppant. However,in other embodiments, cranes, jacks, or other prime movers, may be usedat the well site 10 for loading, unloading, and/or positioning (e.g.,staging) the containers 20. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainers 20 are positioned in a side-by-side configuration on therailroad cars 16. As shown, four containers 20 are arranged on eachrailroad car 16. However, in other embodiments, different configurationsof the containers 20 on the railroad car 16 may be utilized to accountfor engineering design conditions (e.g., the weight of the containers,the size of the containers, the staging area at the well site, etc.)

The containers 20 are stackable at the well site 10, thereby potentiallydecreasing the foot print occupied by the containers 20. For example,containers 20 a may be stacked on top of other containers 20 b. As such,the containers 20 may be filled with proppant and stacked at the wellsite 10, thereby reducing logistical problems related to delivering andunloading loose proppant at well sites 10. The well site 10 may alsoinclude blenders 22 for combining proppant 24, which may consist ofmined silica sand, but potentially also coated or treated sand, ceramic,or bauxite, with fracking fluids. The well site also can includefracking machinery 26 to pump the proppant 24 and other fracking fluidsinto a wellbore 28 at high pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, aconveyor system 30 receives the containers 20 proximate the blenders 22.In certain embodiments, the conveyor system 30 includes a conveyor beltthat receives the proppant 24 from the containers 20 and transports theproppant 24 to the blenders 22 for further use in the wellbore 28.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20 forstoring, shipping, and distributing the proppant 24. In the illustratedembodiment, the container 20 includes a frame 42 having substantiallyvertical cross members 44 and substantially horizontal cross members 46.However, in other embodiments, the frame 42 may include only verticalcross members 44, only horizontal cross members 46, or cross memberspositioned at an incline. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodimentsincludes the cross members 44, 46 on an outer surface of the container20, in other embodiments the cross members 44, 46 may be located on theinterior surface of the container 20. As will be appreciated, the crossmembers 44, 46 provide support to the container 20 when the container 20is filled with proppant 24. An end wall 48 is shown on one end of thecontainer 10, which is adjacent and perpendicular to a sidewall 50. Anupper side 52 of the container 10 projects perpendicularly to andbetween end wall 48 and the side wall 50. The end wall 48, sidewall 50,a second end wall (not pictured), and a second sidewall (not pictured)define a lateral periphery of an interior volume of the container 20 inwhich to store the proppant 24. Moreover, the upper side 52 includes ahatch 54, in the illustrated embodiment, to permit access to theinterior volume of the container 20. For example, the container 20 maybe filled with proppant 24 via the hatch 54.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the container 20 includesseveral support features to permit operators access to the container.For example, a ladder 56 is positioned on the sidewall 50 to permitaccess to the upper side 52. Moreover, attachment hooks 58 enable cablesor tie down supports to be attached to the container 20 during loading,unloading, or transportation operations. For example, operators mayattach tie downs (e.g., ropes, straps, etc.) to the attachment hooks 58to secure the container 20 to the truck 18. Furthermore, the container20 includes compartment supports 60 projecting radially inward from anopen space below the end wall 48 and the sidewall 50. The compartmentsupports 60 are coupled to a lower girder 62 of the frame 42.Additionally, the container 20 includes slots 64 extending through thelower girders 62. The slots 64 may enable forks of the forklifts 14 toengage the frame 42 and transport the container 20 between differentlocations.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the container 20 beinglifted by the forklift 14. As shown, the forks 66 of the forklift 14extend through the slots 64, thereby supporting the container 20 andsecuring the container 20 to the forks 66 for movement between differentlocations at the well site 10. As will be described in detail below, incertain embodiments, the forklift 14 may transport the containers 20from a stacked orientation to the conveyor system 30. The illustratedslots 64 extend through the lower girder 62, isolated from an inclinedsection 68 (e.g., ramped section, ramped portion) of the container 20.In certain embodiments, the inclined section 68 includes a plurality oframped sections that direct the proppant 24 toward an outlet. As aresult, the likelihood of damage to the inclined section 68 duringtransportation is decreased, because the forks 66 do not contact theinclined section 68, or the gap 70 around the inclined section 68. Asshown, the gaps 70 permit visual inspection of the area surrounding theinclined section 68. For example, during international shipment, visualinspection may be desirable. However, in certain embodiments, thecompartment supports 60 may include openings 72 which receive the forks66. It will be appreciated that the location of the slots 64 and/oropenings 72 may be particularly selected based on the forklifts 14 inuse at the well site 10, as well as for other manufacturing, assembly,or production concerns. In this manner, the forks 66 may engage thelower girder 62, compartment supports 60, or other features of the frame42 to transport the container 20 between different locations.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view of an embodiment of thecontainers 20 positioned on a cradle 80 of the conveyor system 30. Forexample, the conveyor system 30 may be part of a moveable rig fortransporting the positioning the containers near the well bore 28. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the cradle 80 includes a conveyor 82 forreceiving and distributing proppant 24 from within the containers 10.The conveyor 82 includes a moving belt 84 that transports the proppant24 to a ramp 86, that in turn delivers the proper 24 to a chute system88. From the chute system 88 the proppant 24 makes its way to thewellbore 28 after passing through the blender 22 and fracking machinery26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle 80 includes a structural frame90 (e.g., frame) having cage-like support structure including horizontalsupport members 92, vertical support members 94, and inclined supportmembers 96. Moreover, the horizontal support members 92 include an uppersupport member 98 and a lower support member 100. In the illustratedembodiment, the upper support member 98 has a top surface 102 whichreceives and supports the containers 20. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the containers 20 are arranged in a side-by-sideconfiguration such that individual containers 20 may be removed from thecradle 80 without disturbing adjacent containers. In certainembodiments, the containers 20 are not in contact with adjacentcontainers 20. However, in other embodiments, the containers 20 may bein contact with adjacent containers. Furthermore, box guide assemblies104 are mounted on the top surface 102 at intervals along a length ofthe cradle 80. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes eightbox guide assemblies 104 positioned in a spaced relationship relative toone another. For example, the box guide assemblies 104 may be separatedby approximately one container 20 width. Also, the box guide assemblies104 may be closely spaced (e.g., less than one container 20 width) or incontact with one another. As will be appreciated, the location of thebox guide assemblies 104 may be particularly selected to accommodatedesign and/or manufacturing considerations. However, in otherembodiments, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, or anysuitable number of box guide assemblies 104. For example, as will bedescribed below, each section (e.g., segment, partition) of the cradle80 may include four box guide assemblies 104 to direct and guide thecontainers 20 into the sections. In certain embodiments, the box guideassemblies 104 include inserts which contact the containers 20 duringinstallation to guide the containers 20 into the sections and/or todesired locations along the cradle 80. However, in other embodiments,the box guide assemblies 104 have guide members and/or tapered sectionsintegrally formed to the box guide assemblies 104 to guide thecontainers 20 into the sections.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20 beingmoved to the cradle 80 via the forklift 14. As shown, the forks 66engage the slots 64 of the frame 42 to lift the container 20 toward thecradle 80. In the illustrated embodiment, two containers 20 a, 20 b arealready positioned on the cradle 80 while the third container 20 ismoved by the forklift 14 to position the containers 20 in a side-by-sideconfiguration along the length of the cradle 80. Each container 20 isaligned with a respective cradle section 120 defined at least partiallyby the respective box guide assemblies 104. For example, the firstcontainer 20 a is positioned within the first cradle section 120 a, thesecond container 20 b is positioned within the second cradle section 120b, the third container 20 c is moved toward the third cradle section 120c via the forklift 14, and a fourth cradle section 120 d is proximatethe third cradle section 120 c. In this manner, the containers 20 may bepositioned on and/or removed from the cradle 80 without disturbingadjacent containers. For example, the proppant 24 may be flowing out ofthe containers 20 a, 20 b while the container 20 c is being positionedonto the cradle 80.

As described above, the box guide assemblies 104 are positioned on thetop surface 102 of the upper support member 98, thereby at leastpartially defining the cradle sections 120. In the illustratedembodiment, the box guide assemblies 104 are positioned at corners ofthe cradle sections 120, and, as a result, each cradle section 120 is atleast partially defined by four box guide assemblies 104. However incertain embodiments, each cradle section 120 may include more or fewerbox guide assemblies 104. For example, the box guide assemblies 104 maybe positioned at opposite corners of the cradle sections 120, along oneside of the cradle sections 120, at particularly selected corners of thecradle sections 120, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the box guide assemblies 104 include guidemembers 122 to direct the container 20 into the cradle sections 120 whenthe container 20 is not aligned with the cradle section 120 duringinstallation. That is, the guide members 122 move the container 20 froman improper or undesirable alignment to a proper or desirable alignmentthat allows the container 20 to rest on the top surface 102. The guidemember 122 is positioned adjacent a corner assembly 124 having a pair ofwalls 126, 128 that form a portion of the box guide assembly 104. Asshown, the walls 126, 128 are substantially perpendicular to oneanother, and substantially perpendicular to the top surface 102. Inother words, the walls 126, 128 form a substantially 90-degree anglerelative to one another and relative to the top surface 102. As usedherein with respect to angles, substantially is equal to plus or minus15 degrees. Moreover, in certain embodiments, adjacent box guideassemblies 104 may share one or more walls 126, 128. For example, thewall 126 may extend along the top surface and accommodate adjacentcradles sections 120 e, 120 f. Moreover, the wall 128 may be utilized byboth cradle sections 120 c, 120 d. In other words, the cradle section120 c may be associated with a first side of the wall 128, while thecradle section 120 d is associated with a second, opposite side of thewall 128.

The guide members 122 are positioned adjacent the walls 126, 128 anddirect the container 20 into the cradle section 120 if the container 20is not aligned with the cradle section 120 during installation. In otherwords, the guide members 122 guide the container 20 to a desiredlocation 130 on the cradle 80. In certain embodiments, the desiredlocation 130 is the associated cradle section 120. However, in otherembodiments, the desired location 130 may be a slot, recess, opening, orthe like in the cradle 80 that receives the container 20, acorresponding feature to lock the container 20 to the cradle 80, or thelike. For example, the desired location 130 may be a recessed section inthe top surface 102 which substantially blocks axial movement of thecontainer 20 while the container 20 is in the desired location 130. Aswill be described in detail below, the guide members 122 include atapered portion which contacts the container 20 when the container 20 isnot aligned with the cradle section 120 to drive the container 20 towardthe desired location 130.

During installation, the forklift 14 raises the container 20 above thecorner assemblies 124, thereby allowing the lower girder 62 to clear aheight of the walls 126, 128. In other words, the container 20 is movedto a vertical position (e.g., elevation) higher than the walls 126, 128,relative to a ground plane. Moreover, the forklift 14 may position thecontainer 20 over the cradle 80, for example, by extending the forks 66away from the forklift 14. However, as shown, the size of the container20 may reduce visibility of the cradle 80 and/or the cradle sections120. In certain embodiments, additional operators may guide the forkliftoperator as the container 20 is positioned on the cradle 80. However, byutilizing the disclosed guide members 122, the container 20 may bemisaligned with the cradle sections 120, but the guide members 122 mayguide the container 20 into the proper position (e.g., toward thedesired location 130) on the cradle 80. As a result, the efficiency ofpositioning the containers 20 onto the cradles 80 may be improvedbecause operators will be able to load containers 20 faster due to theguide members 122 providing alignment of the containers 20 onto thecradle sections 120 instead of utilizing manual alignment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20 dbeing positioned over the respective cradle section 120 d. Certainfeatures have been removed for clarity. As shown, the container 20 d ismisaligned with the cradle section 120 d such that the end wall 48 islongitudinally displaced from the box guide assemblies 104 along alongitudinal axis 140. That is, as the container 20 d is lowered towardthe cradle section 120 d, the container 20 d will contact the box guideassemblies 104 to drive the container 20 d toward the desired location130. For example, the lower girder 62 of the container 20 d may contact(e.g., engage, strike, etc.) the guide member 122 of the box guideassembly 104. Specifically, the container 20 d may contact a taperedportion 142 of the guide member 122, the tapered portion guiding thecontainer 20 d toward the cradle section 120 d. That is, the lowergirder 62 may slide down an inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion 142toward the desired location 130. As shown, the inclined edge 144 isdownwardly sloped such that the container 20 d is encouraged to movetoward the desired location 130.

In certain embodiments, the guide members 122 may be arranged such thatthe containers 20 are driven toward the desired location 130 along twodifferent axes. For example, the inclined edge 144 of the guide members122 may be arranged to direct the containers 20 toward the desiredlocation 130 along the longitudinal axis 140 and along a lateral axis146. That is, the guide members 122 may include multiple inclined edges144 aligned with multiple axes. In the illustrated embodiment, referringto cradle section 120 b, the guide members 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 dare positioned at each corner assembly 124 a, 124 b, 124 c, 124 d todirect the container 20 in one direction along either the longitudinalaxis 140 or the lateral axis 146. For example, the inclined portion 144a of the guide member 122 a is aligned with the lateral axis 146,thereby being positioned to drive the container along the lateral axis146. Similarly, the inclined portion 144 c of the guide member 122 c isaligned with the lateral axis 146, thereby being positioned to drive thecontainer along the lateral axis 146. In this manner, the guide members122 a, 122 c may cooperate to laterally align the container 20 withinthe cradle section 120 b, thereby positioning the container at thedesired location 130.

Continuing with the discussion of cradle section 120 b, the inclinedportion 144 b of the guide member 122 b is aligned with the longitudinalaxis 140, thereby being positioned to drive the container along thelongitudinal axis 140. Similarly, the inclined portion 144 d of theguide member 122 d is aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, therebybeing positioned to drive the container along the longitudinal axis 140.In this manner, the guide members 122 b, 122 d may cooperate tolongitudinally align the container 20 within the cradle section 120 b.It is appreciated that the guide members 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d mayall work in unison to align the container 20 over the cradle section 120b to place the container 20 in the desired location 130. Moreover, whilethe illustrated embodiment depicts the guide members 122 a, 122 caligned with the lateral axis 146 and guide members 122 b, 122 d alignedwith the longitudinal axis 140, in other embodiments, the guide members122 a, 122 c may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, the guidemembers 122 b, 122 d may be aligned with the lateral axis 146, or anycombination thereof to facilitate alignment and placement of thecontainer 20 at the desired location 130. Moreover, in certainembodiments, all of the guide members 122 may be aligned along the sameaxis. For example, with reference to cradle section 120 c, each guidemember 122 is aligned along the lateral axis 146. In certainembodiments, the container 20 may be substantially square (e.g., thelength of the end walls 48 may equal the length of the side walls 50),therefore alignment in one axial direction may be sufficient to positionthe container 20 in the desired location 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to cradle section 120 a,the guide members 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h are positioned proximatethe corner assemblies 124 e, 124 f, 124 g, 124 h. As shown, each guidemember 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h includes a first inclined edge 148 anda second inclined edge 150 extending along legs 152 of the guide members122. The first and second inclined edges 148, 150 are aligned with thelongitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146, respectively. As aresult, the guide members 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h adjust thepositioning of the container 20 in at least two axial directions. Forexample, the guide member 122 e may adjust the alignment of thecontainer 20 along both the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., via the firstinclined edge 148) and/or the lateral axis 146 (e.g., via the secondinclined edge 150). While the illustrated embodiment includes four guidemembers 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h, in other embodiments more or fewerguide members 122 may be utilized. Moreover, guide members 122 thatadjust the container 20 position along two axial directions may be mixedwith guide members 122 that adjust the container 20 position along asingle axial direction.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guidemember 122. As described above, the guide member 122 includes theinclined edge 144 that downwardly slopes from a proximal side 160 to adistal side 162. In operation, the proximal side 160 is positionedproximate at least one wall (e.g., wall 126, wall 128) of the cornerassembly 124 and the distal side 162 is positioned proximate the desiredlocation 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 122includes a bottom portion 164, a middle portion 166 and a top portion168. As shown, the bottom portion 164 has a substantially constant firstwidth 170. However, the inclined edge 144 extends from the top portion168, through the middle portion 166, and terminates at a first end 172of the bottom portion 164. In other words, the inclined edge 144 extendsfrom the top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion 164.As a result, a width of the inclined edge 144 is variable over a length174 of the inclined edge 144. Yet, in the illustrated embodiment, asecond width 176 of the top portion 168 is smaller than the first width170 of the bottom portion 164. Moreover, at least a portion of a thirdwidth 178 of the middle portion 166 is smaller than the first width 170of the bottom portion 164.

As mentioned above, the inclined edge 144 slopes downwardly from the topportion 168 to the bottom portion 164 (e.g., laterally away from theproximal side 160). A first angle 180 and a second angle 182 define theinclined edge 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle 180 isapproximately 50 degrees, relative to the end 172. However, in otherembodiments, the first angle 180 may be approximately 10 degrees,approximately 20 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 40degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or any other reasonably value. Asused herein, approximately refers to plus or minus 5 degrees. Moreover,in other embodiments, the first angle 180 may be between a range ofapproximately 10 degrees and 40 degrees, approximately 20 degrees and 50degrees, approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees, or any other suitablerange. It will be appreciated that the first angle 180 may beparticularly selected to accommodate anticipated design conditionsand/or manufacturing conditions. Furthermore, in the illustratedembodiment, the second angle is approximately 40 degrees, relative tothe proximal side 160. However, in other embodiments, the second angle182 may be approximately 10 degrees, approximately 20 degrees,approximately 30 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, approximately 60degrees, or any other reasonably value. Moreover, in other embodiments,the second angle 182 may be between a range of approximately 10 degreesand 40 degrees, approximately 20 degrees and 50 degrees, approximately30 degrees and 60 degrees, or any other suitable range. It will beappreciated that the second angle 182 may be particularly selected toaccommodate anticipated design conditions and/or manufacturingconditions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal side 160 extends for a firstheight 184 and the distal side 162 extends for a second height 186 froma second end 188 of the bottom portion 164. As shown, the first height184 is larger than the second height 186 due to the downwardly slopinginclined edge 144 extending from the proximal side 160 to the distalside 162. Accordingly, as the container 20 contacts the inclined edge144, the container 20 will slide down the inclined edge 144 in adirection 190 represented by the arrow due to gravity. In other words,the weight of the container 20 will drive movement of the container 20down the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130. Whilethe illustrated embodiment includes the inclined edge 144 extending fromthe top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion 164, inother embodiments the inclined edge 144 may extend from the top portion168 to the second end 188 of the bottom portion 164. In other words, theguide member 122 may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantiallya right triangle. As a result, in certain embodiments, the second height186 may be substantially zero when the inclined edge 144 extends to thesecond end 188 of the bottom portion 164.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guidemember 122. As described above, the guide member 122 includes theinclined edge 144 extending between the proximal side 160 and the distalside 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion 168 includes acurved edge 200 between the inclined edge 144 and the proximal side 160.In other words, the top portion 168 includes a substantially roundededge. It is appreciated that the curved edge 200 may decrease thelikelihood of marring or other cosmetic and/or structural defects to theframe 42 of the container 20 as the container 20 is placed on the cradle80. Moreover, the curved edge 200 may distribute stresses over the guidemember 122 more efficiently than the substantially straight edgeillustrated in FIG. 7. As a result, the structural integrity of theguide member 122 may be improved.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guidemember 122 having the legs 152 including the first inclined edge 148 andthe second inclined edge 150. As described above, the guide member 122having the first and second inclined edges 148, 150 may adjust theposition of the container 20 in at least two directions as the container20 is installed onto the cradle 80. Similarly to the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 7, the first inclined edge 148 extends from theproximal side 160 (e.g., the side adjacent the wall 126, 128) to thedistal side 162 (e.g., the side adjacent the desired location 130).Moreover, the second inclined edge 150 also extends from the proximalside 160 to the distal side 162. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst inclined edge 148 is approximately perpendicular to the secondinclined edge 150. Accordingly, the illustrated guide member 122 maycorrespond to the walls 126, 128 when installed in the box guideassembly 104.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the cradlesection 120 of the cradle 80, in which the guide members 122 arearranged such that the alignment of the container 20 is adjusted in asingle direction (e.g., the lateral axis 146). Features of the cradle80, such as portions of the structural frame 90, have been removed forclarity. As shown, the guide member 122 is positioned adjacent to thecorner assembly 124. That is, the proximal side 160 of the guide members122 is positioned adjacent to the wall 128. In certain embodiments, theguide member 122 and the corner assembly 124 may be a single, integrallyformed piece. However, in other embodiments, the guide member 122 may bea separately formed piece. For example, the guide member 122 may be aninsert that is coupled to the cradle 80 and/or the corner assembly 124(e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, or the like). In the illustratedembodiment, the guide members 122 include the inclined edges 144 alignedsubstantially with the lateral axis 146. Accordingly, the guide members122 will direct the container 20 toward the desired location 130 alongthe lateral axis 146.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first height 184 of the guide members122 is substantially equal to a wall height 210 of the corner assemblies124. However, in other embodiments, the first height 184 may be smallerthan the wall height 210 or larger than the wall height 210. Moreover,each guide member 122 need not be the same height. Furthermore, thefirst width 170 is less than a wall width 212. That is, the guidemembers 122 do not extend the full length of the walls 126, 128. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the first width 170 isapproximately one-half of the wall width 212. However, in otherembodiments, the first width 170 may be approximately one-eighth of thewall width 212, approximately one-fourth of the wall width 212,approximately three-fourths of the wall width 212, or any other suitableratio of the wall width 212. Moreover, the first width 170 is less thana support member width 214. Accordingly, by positioning the guidemembers 122 proximate the corner assembly 124 and the desired location130, the container 20 may be directed toward the desired location 130 ifan operator improperly aligns the container 20 during installation.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cradle section120 of the cradle, in which the guide members 122 are arranged such thatthe alignment of the container 20 is adjusted in at least two directions(e.g., the longitudinal axis 140, the lateral axis 146). As describedabove, in certain embodiments, the guide members 122 include the firstinclined edge 148 and the second inclined edge 150, each edge beingaligned with a different axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis 140 and thelateral axis 146). Because the edges are aligned with different axes,the container 20 may be aligned and/or positioned along both thelongitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146. In the illustratedembodiment, the first inclined edge 148 is aligned with the lateral axis146 (e.g., extending across the plane of the page) and the secondinclined edge 150 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g.,extending into the plane of the page). As a result, alignment of thecontainer 20 may be adjusted in at least two directions. As shown, thefirst inclined edge 148 and the second inclined edge 150 form the guidemember 122 positioned adjacent to the corner assembly 124. While theillustrated embodiment depicts the guide member 122 as a separate piece,in other embodiments the guide member 122 may be integrally formed intothe corner assembly 124. For example, the guide member 122 may be cast,machined, or otherwise coupled to the corner assembly 124 to form anintegral part.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined edge 148 and thesecond inclined edge 150 do not interfere with one another to align andplace the container 20 into the desired location 130. For example, afirst thickness 220 of the second inclined edge 148 may be particularlyselected so that the first thickness 220 is less than the first width170 and less than the second width 176. As a result, the container 20would necessarily contact the first inclined edge 148 as the container20 moved toward the desired location 130 because the first and secondwidths 170, 176 would extend laterally away from the wall 128 a greaterdistance than the first thickness 220. In this manner, the guide member22 may be utilized to align the container 20 on the desired location 130along both the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146. Moreover,as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first width 170 and thefirst thickness 220 are less than the support member width 214, therebyenabling the guide member 122 to be positioned on the top surface 102without blocking the container 20 from being positioned on the topsurface 102.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 havingfour guide members 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d positioned at each cornerof the cradle section 120. As shown, the guide members 122 a, 122 c arearranged such that the inclined edges 144 a, 144 c are substantiallyaligned with the lateral axis 146 and the guide members 122 b, 122 d arearranged such that the inclined edges 144 b, 144 d are substantiallyaligned with the longitudinal axis 140. As a result, while each guidemember 122 adjusts the position of the container 20 in one direction,the combination of guide members 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d may adjustthe orientation of the container 20 in at least two directions. In theillustrated embodiment, the first thickness 220 of the guide members 122is smaller than the wall width 212. As a result, the guide members 122may be arranged on the upper support member 98 of the cradle 98 and notextend toward the desired location 130. In other words, the supportmember width 214 is larger than the first thickness 220. Therefore, theguide members 122 do not interfere with placing the container 20 on thetop surface 102 of the upper support member 98.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 havingfour guide members 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h positioned at each cornerof the cradle section 120. In the illustrated embodiment, each guidemember 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h includes first and second inclinededges 148, 150 on the legs 152. As a result, each guide member 122 e,122 f, 122 g, 122 h may adjust the orientation of the container 20 alongthe longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146. As described above,the first thickness 220 may be smaller than the support member width214. As a result, the guide members 122 e, 122 f, 122 g, 122 h do notinterfere with the placement of the container 20 on the top surface 102of the upper support member 98.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method 250 of positioning the container 20onto the cradle 80. The proppant container 20 is lifted to a firstposition above the top surface 102 of the support structure (block 252).For example, the first position is vertically higher (e.g., at a higherelevation), relative to the ground plane, than the top portion 168 ofthe box guide assembly 104. In other words, the proppant container 20 islifted over the box guide assemblies 104. Moreover, the container 20 isaligned with the cradle section 120 (block 254). For example, thecontainer 20 may be substantially aligned over the desired location 130.Then, the container 20 may be lowered toward the top surface 102 (block256). For example, the container 20 may be lowered such that the lowergirder 62 of the container 20 is at a vertical position lower than thetop portion 168 of the box guide assembly 104. Additionally, thecontainer 20 may be positioned over the desired location 130 via theguide members 122 (block 258). For example, the tapered portion 142 mayinclude an inclined edge 144 which guides the container 20 toward thedesired location 130. Accordingly, the container 20 may be misaligned(e.g., not aligned with the desired location 130) during installationand be moved toward the desired location 130 via the guide members 122,thereby improving loading efficiency because the containers 20 may beautomatically aligned via the guide members 122 instead of havingoperators conduct the alignment manually.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of positioning the container 20over the desired location 130 via the guide members 122 (block 258) fromFIG. 14. A side of the container 20 is moved toward the tapered portion142 of the guide members 122 (block 260). For example, the forklift 14may move the container 20 toward the tapered portion 142 such that thecontainer 20 engages the guide member 122. Moreover, the side of thecontainer 20 is positioned onto the inclined edge 144 of the taperedportion 142 (block 262). For example, the side may be placed intocontact with the inclined edge 144. In certain embodiments, the forklift14 may tilt or lean the container 20 toward the inclined edge 144 suchthat the side in contact with the inclined edge 144 has a lowerelevation (e.g., relative to the ground plane) than the opposite side ofthe container 20. As a result, the container 20 may move or travel offof the forks 66 of the forklift 14. Then, the container 20 slides downthe inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130 (block 264).For example, the weight of the container 20 may drive the container 20to slide down along the length 174 of the inclined edge 144 and towardthe desired location 130. Accordingly, by positioning the container 20into contact with the tapered portion 142, the container 20 may bealigned to move toward the desired location 130 without additionaladjustments made by operators.

FIGS. 16-19 are cross-sectional side views of the container 20 beingmoved toward the desired location 130 via the box guide assembly 104.For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the container 20 is misalignedwith the desired location 130 such that the container 20 contacts thebox guide assembly 104 as the container 20 is lowered toward the topsurface 102. As shown, a corner portion 270 is positioned above the boxguide assembly 104, thereby blocking the container 20 from being loweredto the top surface 102. FIG. 17 depicts the container 20 contacting thebox guide assembly 104 as the container 20 is lowered toward the topsurface 102. As shown, the corner portion 270 engages the taperedportion 142 of the box guide assembly 104. For example, the cornerportion 270 slides down the inclined edge 144 (e.g., due to gravitybecause of the weight of the container 20) and toward the desiredlocation 130. Continuing to FIG. 18, in the illustrated embodiment, asecond corner portion 272 contacts the guide member 122 positioned onthe opposite side of the cradle section 120. As shown, the cornerportion 270 is positioned vertically below the inclined edge 144 of theguide member 122, but the second corner portion 272 is on the inclinededge 144. However, due to the weight of the container 20, the secondcorner portion 272 is directed downward and toward the desired location130. FIG. 19 illustrates the container 20 within the desired location130. As shown, the box guide assemblies 104 have moved and aligned thecontainer 20 such that the container is positioned on the desiredlocation 130. Accordingly, the installation process may continue withoutmanually repositioning the container 20 in the event the container ismisaligned while the container 20 is installed on the cradle 80 via theforklift 14.

FIGS. 20-23 are perspective views of an embodiment of the container 20being positioned on the cradle section 120. As described above, withrespect to FIGS. 15-19, in certain embodiments the container 20 islifted and aligned over the cradle section 120 to position the container20 onto the top surface 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,the container 20 is moved toward the cradle section 120. As shown, thecorner portions 270 a, 270 b, 270 c, 270 d are not aligned with thedesired location 130 (e.g., are not aligned with the box guideassemblies 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, 104 d). As a result, if the operatortried to lower the container 20 onto the top surface 102, the container20 may not be properly positioned at the desired location 130. Turningto FIG. 21, the container 20 is positioned over the cradle section 120,however, the corner portions 270 a, 270 b, 270 c, 270 d are misalignedwith the desired location 130. That is, the corner portions 270 a, 270b, 270 c, 270 d are positioned above the box guide assemblies 104 suchthat if the container 20 were moved downward toward the top surface 102,the corner portions 270 a, 270 b, 270 c, 270 d would contact therespective box guide assemblies 104.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20engaging the box guide assemblies 104 because the container 20 ismisaligned with the desired location 130 and cannot be positioned on thetop surface 102 of the cradle section 120 due to the misalignment. Asshown, the corner portions 270 a, 270 b, 270 c, 270 d contact the boxguide assemblies 104, which in turn drive the container 20 toward thedesired location due to the respective inclined edges 144 of therespective tapered portions 142. For example, the inclined edges 144 ofthe respective box guide assemblies 104 may be arranged such thatmovement of the container 20 is controlled in at least two directions(e.g., the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146). Accordingly,the weight of the container 20 may encourage the container 20 to movetoward the desired location 130 (e.g., via gravity because the container20 is on an inclined surface) such that manual adjustment by an operatoris substantially reduced or eliminated. For example, as shown in FIG.23, the container 20 is positioned at the desired location 130 on thetop surface 102 due to the adjustment of the box guide assemblies 104.

FIGS. 24-27 are side elevation views of an embodiment of the container20 being placed onto the structural frame 90 via the forklift 14.Turning to FIG. 24, the forklift 14 moves the container 20 toward thestructural frame 90 to position the container 20 onto the top surface102 of the upper support member 98. As described in detail above, theframe 90 includes the box guide assemblies 104 to align the container 20with the desired location 130. As shown, the container 20 is lifted to avertical position having a higher elevation than a top portion of thecorner assemblies 124. In other words, the lower girder 62 of thecontainer 20 has a higher elevation than the highest elevation of theframe 90, thereby enabling the container 20 to be positioned over theframe 90. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the container 20 ispositioned over the frame 90. That is, the container 20 is substantiallyaligned with the desired location 130 and/or with the corner assemblies124. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 20 is positioned overthe corner assembly 124 such that if the container 20 were loweredtoward the frame 90, the container 20 would contact the corner assembly124. Turning to FIG. 26, the container 20 is tilted and/or slantedtoward the corner assembly 124 such that a front edge 274 of thecontainer 20 has a lower elevation, relative to the ground plane, than aback edge 276. Tilting the container 20 via the forklift 14 positions ofthe front edge 274 onto the inclined edge 144 of the guide member 122,thereby enabling the guide member 122 to substantially align thecontainer 20 with the desired location 130 without additional alignmentbeing done by the operators. For example, the container 20 may slidealong the length 174 of the inclined edge 144 via the contact betweenthe front edge 274 and the inclined edge 144. As the container 20 slidesdown the inclined edge 144, the back edge 276, in certain embodiments,may engage the opposite box guide assembly 104, thereby driving thecontainer 20 toward the desired location 130. Moreover, tilting thecontainer 20 may facilitate removal of the container 20 from the forks66 of the forklift 14. For example, the container 20 may move away fromthe forklift 14 via gravity due to the inclined position of thecontainer 20 on the forks 66. As shown in FIG. 27, the container 20 ispositioned on the desired location 130. For example, as described above,the container 20 may slide down the inclined edge 144 of the guidemember 122 such that the container 20 is positioned onto the desiredlocation 130. In other words, the guide member 122 of the box guideassembly 104 substantially aligns the container 20 with the desiredlocation 130 without utilizing additional or extraneous alignmenttechniques, such as additional rigging. In this manner, the container 20may be positioned on the frame 90 quickly and efficiently because thebox guide assemblies 104 align the container 20 with the desiredlocation 130.

As described in detail above, embodiments of the present disclosure aredirected toward one or more box guide assemblies 104 that guide thecontainers 20 toward desired locations 130 on the top surface 102 of thecradle 80. In certain embodiments, the box guide assemblies 104 includeguide members 122 having the tapered portion 142 at the top portion 168.The tapered portion 142 includes a narrowing width and is slopeddownwardly. As the container 20 contacts the inclined edge 144 of thetapered portion 142, the weight of the container 20 causes the container20 to slide down the inclined edge 144. Accordingly, the container 20slides away from the box guide assemblies 104 and toward the desiredlocation 130. As described above, the box guide assemblies 104 may beoriented such that the position of the container 20 is adjusted in oneor more directions. For example, the tapered edges 144 may be orientedalong the longitudinal and/or lateral axes 140, 146 to encouragemovement of the container 20 in multiple directions. In this manner,misalignment of the container 20 over the cradle section 120 may bemanaged without manual adjustments due to the automatic adjustments tothe position of the container 20 made by the box guide assemblies 104.

This present application is a continuation which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/986,826,filed Jan. 4, 2016, titled “Cradle for Proppant Container Having TaperedBox Guides,” which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 14/848,447, filed Sep. 9, 2015, titled “Cradle for ProppantContainer Having Tapered Box Guides,” which is related to and claimspriority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/050,493, filed Sep. 15, 2014, titled “Cradle for Proppant ContainerHaving Tapered Box Guides.” U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.14/848,447 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/676,039, filed Apr. 1, 2015, titled “Methods andSystems to Transfer Proppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk ofProduction and Release of Silica Dust at a Well Site,” now U.S. Pat. No.9,340,353, issued May 17, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/012,160, filed Jun. 13, 2014, titled“Process and Apparatus for Reducing Silica Exposure During the Deliveryof Proppants to a Mine,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/014,479,filed on Jun. 19, 2014, titled “System and Methods for Reducing SilicaExposure at a Well Site,” and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/114,614, filed Feb. 11, 2015, titled “Methods and Systems to TransferProppant for Fracking with Reduced Risk of Production and Release ofSilica Dust at a Well Site,” each of which are incorporated herein intheir entireties by reference.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory of the embodiments of the invention.Various changes in the details of the illustrated embodiments can bemade within the scope of the appended claims without departing from thetrue spirit of the invention. The embodiments of the present inventionshould only be limited by the following claims and their legalequivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to support a proppantcontainer, the apparatus comprising: a frame to receive and support oneor more proppant containers, the frame having a top surface to receiveand position the one or more proppant containers in an elevatedposition; and a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface, thebox guide assembly comprising: a corner assembly having two wallsegments positioned substantially perpendicular to one another andconnected to each other along a common vertical edge portion of eachrespective one of the two wall segments, the corner assembly alsoextending upwardly from the top surface and positioned on a peripheraledge of the frame to at least partially define a desired location forpositioning the one or more proppant containers; and a guide memberextending upwardly and positioned substantially perpendicular to the topsurface, the guide member positioned adjacent the common vertical edgeportion of the corner assembly, the guide member including a taperedportion extending distally from the top surface such that a first widthof the tapered portion at a top portion of the guide member is less thana second width of the tapered portion at a bottom portion of the guidemember, the tapered portion contacting and directing the one or moreproppant containers to the desired location when the proppant containeris being positioned thereon.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising aninclined edge of the tapered portion, wherein the inclined edge extendsbetween a proximal side of the guide member and a distal side of theguide member, the inclined edge being downwardly sloped and extendingfrom a periphery of the frame toward the desired location.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the inclined edge extends from the topportion of the guide member to a first end of the bottom portion of theguide member, the inclined edge extending laterally away from theproximal side, and the guide member being bound by a periphery of theframe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the box guide assemblycomprises at least two box guide assemblies positioned at corners of thedesired location, the guide members of the box guide assemblies arrangedsuch that alignment of the container relative to the desired location isadjusted in at least two axial directions via the box guide assemblies.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide member is integrallyformed with at least one wall segment of the corner assembly, the guidemember being positioned closer to the desired location than the at leastone wall segment.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the box guideassembly comprises a second tapered portion arranged substantiallyperpendicularly to the tapered portion, the tapered portion positionedalong one wall segment of the corner assembly and the second taperedportion positioned along the other wall segment of the corner assembly.7. The apparatus of claim 1, where a first width of the guide member isless than a wall width of the wall segments of the corner assembly. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first thickness of the guide memberis less than a wall width of the wall segments of the corner assemblyand less than a support member thickness of the frame.